Reduced pesticide risk goal of Almond Pest Management Alliance

Modesto - - An alliance of almond industry groups united in the goal of finding innovative approaches to reducing pesticide risks has been awarded a grant from the state Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) to develop and demonstrate a reduced pesticide risk program.

The Almond Pest Management Alliance was awarded the $99,000 grant June 15 and is one of nine statewide groups to be awarded the grants under a new partnership program initiated by the DPR.

The Alliance is composed of the Almond Board of California, the Almond Hullers and Processor Association, the Community Alliance with Family Farmers and the University of California Statewide Integrated Pest Management Project.

"This Alliance will address some of the important pest management issues facing the almond industry," explained Chris Heintz, director of research for the Almond Board. "This industry has been long recognized as a leader in integrated pest management. This Alliance allows us to take that experience a step further and lay the groundwork for a long-term relationship which addresses the issues of reduced pesticide risks and the ability to continue to produce an economically viable crop."

The Alliance project is designed to promote a reduced risk system of almond production through the use of alternative products, actual on-site demonstrations and grower education.

Demonstration projects will be set up in the three main sections of California's almond growing region. "This regional approach will allow for various orchard conditions and let growers obtain information first-hand," noted Heintz. "We will be working with Cooperative Extension almond farm advisors who are well recognized for their innovative leadership in this field. This hands-on approach will allow growers to obtain information about how reduced risk systems can work effectively for their needs."

The year-long project will be overseen by an advisory team of almond industry experts. Growers will be kept informed of the project's progress through regular newsletters, a special site on the World Wide Web, and with a series of regional field days.

Further information about the Alliance is available from Chris Heintz at (209) 549-8262 extension 116, email Cheintz@compuserve.com or from Mark Looker, project administrator, at (209) 526-4181, email mllooker@ainet.com.